Best Casual Restaurants in Serra Mesa

150 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 70 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

2. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(416)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 47 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

3. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(204)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 34 times today

We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

4. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4383)

Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 79 times today

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

5. Cellar Hand

4.7

Exceptional(111)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 19 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

6. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 11 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

7. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.4

Awesome(3213)

Price: Expensive

• American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 39 times today

For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.

A photo of Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant

8. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.9

Exceptional(256)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 9 times today

OpenTable Diners' Choice 2022, 2023 and 2024! Come dine in our modern and relaxing atmosphere, where we serve traditional sushi and unique fusion dishes.Enjoy particularly selected sakes, wines, and unique cocktails that pair exquisitely with our fine dishes. In addition to traditional sushi, and hot and cold Japanese appetizers, our menu includes pastas, homemade desserts, and other regional fusion dishes to cater to a wide range of guests. We are also proud to offer premium A5 Wagyu dishes.Please let us serve you our traditional and creative dishes so that you can enjoy "To Become One (2B1)" with us in Harmony!

9. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1315)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 52 times today

Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

10. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2642)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 27 times today

The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Miriam
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Everything was fantastic except it was a little cold inside which made some of my food get colder faster. Overall FANTASTIC would definitely return and recommend.
More info
Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
J
JimVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were so pleased that Madison has brought back their delicious jambalaya! Having grown up in New Orleans, I can say that Madison‘s jambalaya is some of the best around! Also loved the live jazz, friendly staff, and good vibe of the place!
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MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5
M
Melanie
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
From the hostess to the waitress, it was all very good. We felt attended to and service was very fast! The food was delicious all around and so were the drinks. It made for a fun holiday dinner with friends.
More info
Gravity Heights Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Valley
•
4.7
A
Acacia
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Good food, good service! They brought out a birthday treat in the beginning. A little difficult with the handicap ramp closed outside.
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
S
scottVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was amazingly fresh. Overall a great experience.
More info
Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.7

Best Casual Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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Award-winning

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150 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

2. Madi

3. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4. Great Maple San Diego

5. Cellar Hand

6. Botanica

7. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

8. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

9. Siamo Napoli

10. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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